Online information sessions: 24 June

This academically challenging and career-developing programme focuses on research and development using biological and chemical principles and systems to create new products, services and industries.

You will employ elements of the developing field of synthetic biology to bring about significant changes and major innovations that address the challenges of rapidly changing human demographics, resource shortages, energy economy transition and the concomitant growth in demand for more and healthier food, sustainable fuel cycles, and a cleaner environment.

You will attend problem-based tutorial sessions and one-to-one meetings with your personal tutor or programme director.

You will carry out research at the frontier of knowledge and can make a genuine contribution to the progress of original research. This involves carrying out project work in reviewing relevant papers, analysing data, writing reports and giving presentations.

*(Revised 29 May 2020 to remove course listings.)

Find out more about compulsory and optional courses

We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

a strong background knowledge in the fields underlying synthetic biology and biotechnology

an understanding of the limitations and public concerns regarding the nascent field of synthetic biology including a thorough examination of the philosophical, legal, ethical and social issues surrounding the area

the ability to approach the technology transfer problem equipped with the skills to analyse the problem in scientific and practical terms

an understanding of how biotechnology relates to real-world biological problems

the ability to think about the future development of research, technology, its implementation and its implications

a broad understanding of research responsibility including the requirement for rigorous and robust testing of theories and the need for honesty and integrity in experimental reporting and reviewing

You will enhance your career prospects by acquiring current, marketable
knowledge and developing advanced analytical and presentational skills,
within the social and intellectual sphere of a leading European university.

The School of Biological Sciences offers a research-rich environment in
which you can develop as a scientist and entrepreneur.

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent. You should have a strong background in one or more of the following areas: biotechnology, biochemistry, molecular biology and the related sciences.

We may also consider your application if you have a background in engineering (particularly bioengineering), physics or mathematics.

International qualifications

English language requirements

You must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies, regardless of your nationality or country of residence.

English language tests

For 2020 entry we accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified*:

IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component.

TOEFL-iBT (including Special Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each section. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.

PTE Academic: total 61 with at least 56 in each of the Communicative Skills scores.

CAE and CPE: total 176 with at least 169 in each paper.

Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.

For 2021 entry we will accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified*:

IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component.

TOEFL-iBT (including Special Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each section.We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.

CAE and CPE: total 176 with at least 169 in each paper.

Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.

*(Revised 21 February 2020 to remove PTE Academic from 2021 entry requirements. Revised 21 April 2020 to include TOEFL-iBT Special Home Edition in 2020 and 2021 entry requirements.)

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic or Trinity ISE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

Featured funding

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments. The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on your programme, the duration of your studies, and your residency status. (Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.)

MSc Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology - 1 Year (Full-time)

PgDip Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology - 9 months (Full-time)

We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

The University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number
SC005336, VAT Registration Number GB 592 9507 00, and is acknowledged by the UK authorities as a
“Recognised body” which has been
granted degree awarding powers.